A Wānaka resident will push ahead with a proposal to have Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) name changed.

Michael Sidey recently tested public sentiment on the idea of changing the local council’s name to something which better represents the whole district.

While the response on social media was mostly negative, Michael said he had received numerous emails in support of the idea and spoken to another 50-60 people who were behind it.

He’s also teamed up with Andrew ‘Howie’ Howard and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield, who he said had both proposed a name change in the past.

“What we’re going to do is form a group of people who represent various sectors of the town,” Michael told the Wānaka App. 

“We will then be prepared to talk to council at the next council meeting in Wānaka and introduce it there.”

Read more: Name change proposed for council - again

He hopes to garner support for a referendum on the name ahead of the local body elections later this year.

Southern Lakes District Council is one option suggested as an alternative to Queenstown Lakes District Council. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Michael said while he was not putting forward a specific alternative name he thought something like Southern Lakes District Council - which de-centres Queenstown - could be an option.

The idea of a name change for QLDC was last mooted in 2023 but it was scotched by the council, who said it wasn’t a priority.

Michael has been involved in other local initiatives, including as chair of the Wānaka Watersports Facility Trust, which navigated a range of obstacles before the facility was finally approved. 

He is also involved in the push for an arts facility in Wānaka as chair of the Wānaka Arts and Cultural Charitable Trust. 

Michael has described such community projects as “an endurance exercise”.

Read more: LTP: Arts advocates disappointed, but council work continues